A diamond in the rough to be sure! No, the blocks surrounding Swann et Vincent aren't as pretty as Montmartre but this restaurant was really wonderful. I'm almost positive I was the only native English speaker in the whole place during my Sunday night supper, and that's exactly what I was looking for. The ambiance--tall ceilings, dim lighting, intimate tables, whispered conversations, Parisians sipping wine and smiling--was just spectacular. The proprietor was extremely welcoming, and I gladly settled into my table as he plopped down a small bowl of spiced olives and bread.
The dinner menu and specials were presented on portable chalkboards. I ordered a half bottle of red wine and the pasta Arrabbiata. Service was quick, friendly, and unobtrusive. The pasta had great texture and was quite good, though not nearly as spicy as I thought it should be. I wasn't rushed at all and tried to take in my surroundings. The other pasta plates that passed by looked just as good as mine if not better. After I finished my Arrabbiata, I decided to splurge and opted for tiramisu for dessert. It was a perfectly sized portion and it was laced wonderfully with coffee liqueur. Completely satiated, I finished my final sip of wine and basked in the glowing atmosphere of the now full restaurant. It was a suburb meal. With a half bottle of wine, pasta du jour, dessert (and complimentary bread and olives), my tab came to 34€. A great value in my book--and certainly worth sauntering back to check out their lunch deal for 17€.
Bottom line: if you're looking for good Italian cuisine in a place with terrific ambiance and well off the tourist circuit, you'll be well rewarded for making the journey to Swann et Vincent. I look forward to returning. read more